Former World Series Winner To Hold Showcase For Teams

A former major league closer who's essentially missed the last three seasons will throw a showcase for big league teams in two weeks.

Former Rolaids finalist and World Series closer Ken Giles will be throwing 2 weeks from today — Feb. 8 — at ASU in Tempe, Ariz. for interested teams. Giles is said to be “100% healthy,” 2 yrs removed from TJ surgery

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 25, 2023

Still just 32, Ken Giles is said to be “100% healthy." He's pitched a total of eight innings over the last three seasons. Giles has 115 career saves, including 34 with the Houston Astros in 2017. He most recently secured 23 saves in 2019 with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2019. But Tommy John surgery in October of 2020 shut him down. 

Giles signed a 2-year, $7M deal with the Seattle Mariners before the 2021 season, even though the team was aware he wouldn't pitch that year due to his recovery from the TJ surgery. 

He was released, however, by the Seattle Mariners last August after they waited almost two years for him to be a contributor again at the major league level.  

His progress in 2022 was troublesome, as he posted a 9.49 ERA in the minors, surrendering a whopping 18 runs in 12.2 innings (13 earned), leading to his release. 

The San Francisco Giants then signed him to a minor league deal, but he only got into one inning with their Rookie League team. 

Now, he's ready to show his wares to any interested teams. The throwing session will take place in Tempe, Arizona on February 8th. 

Photo: Mary Holt-USA TODAY Sports